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Council approves $2,166 Hotel/Motel grant for Bless the Block after debate over process
Summary
The council voted to award $2,166.12 in hotel occupancy tax funds to "Bless the Block," amid debate over whether a standing review committee should have handled the application; one councilmember voted no.
The Brookshire City Council voted to approve a hotel/motel occupancy tax grant of $2,166.12 for the "Bless the Block" community event after extended discussion about process and committee review.
Pastor Lee Nelson Jones, who applied for the grant, told the council the event drew out‑of‑town attendees and provided receipts showing 18 hotel rooms had been used. Jones read a text from the state convention president that said, "We had a wonderful time in Brookshire. Job well done hosting." City staff and legal counsel reviewed the application materials and advised that the "heads and beds" test — whether the event generated overnight stays — was met and that receipts were on file.
Council members debated whether to reconvene the historical hotel/motel committee that previously reviewed applications. City staff reported they had met with an appointed member who recommended not using a committee and instead allowing staff (the city secretary and staff) to review applications and present recommendations to the council. Council member discussion noted the committee had been dismantled during the COVID period and some members had objected to the handling of earlier applications.
After discussion, Councilmember McDade moved to approve the application for Bless the Block for $2,166.12; the motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote with one recorded dissent: Mayor Pro Tem Green said "No" on the record. The motion passed with the remainder of the council voting in favor.
Why this matters: Hotel occupancy tax (HOT) funds are restricted by state and local rules to specific kinds of expenditures, typically those that promote tourism (the so‑called "heads and beds" standard). The council approved the award after staff confirmed the event met the criteria and provided documentation. During the meeting some council members pushed to restore a standing review committee to perform eligibility checks before applications reach the full council.
The council directed staff to proceed with the payment process per the city's hotel/motel guidelines; staff recommended including clawback language in future front‑end payments where appropriate.
